Chemistry and Food Science Department

Hero

A Unique Partnership of Related Fields for Future Chemists

Chemistry is fundamental to our world, and is essential for meeting our basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, health, energy, clean air, water, and soil. Understanding chemistry provides an excellent basis for understanding the physical universe we live in.

Come experience a pairing of two complementary fields, providing Food Science majors with an exceptionally strong background in chemistry and equipping Chemistry and Biochemistry majors with the opportunity to take electives in more applied areas such as food chemistry, food analysis, and food engineering.

You can choose from the following majors within our department:

Our program is focused on undergraduate students, preparing you to graduate as a Biochemist, Chemist or Food Scientist ready for careers in the pharmaceutical industry, biotech, analytical laboratories, graduate school (PhD and MS programs) and health science programs such as medical and dental school and physician associate programs.

You will be encouraged to pursue an undergraduate research project with a faculty mentor at FSU. In addition, there are opportunities early on to develop lab skills as a paid lab assistant in the teaching labs. Off campus, you could pursue an internship at a local industrial sites and secure work with major biotech and pharmaceutical companies such as AbbVie, Alpha Analytical, Meadowhawk Biolabs, and more.

The Department has nine chemistry teaching labs and several dedicated research labs. We are proudly certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB).

 

What is food science?

"Food science draws from many disciplines such as biology, chemical engineering, and biochemistry in an attempt to better understand food processes and ultimately improve food products for the general public. As the stewards of the field, food scientists study the physical, microbiological, and chemical makeup of food. By applying their findings, they are responsible for developing the safe, nutritious foods and innovative packaging that line supermarket shelves."

"The food you consume on a daily basis is the result of extensive food research, a systematic investigation into a variety of foods’ properties and compositions. After the initial stages of research and development comes the mass production of food products using principles of food technology. All of these interrelated fields contribute to the food industry – the largest manufacturing industry in the United States."

From the website of the Institute of Food Technologists

Our Programs

Our Programs

  • Biochemistry
    • ACS Approved Program with Biochemistry Major 
    • General Biochemistry  
  • Chemistry
    • ACS Approved Program with Chemistry Major 
    • General Chemistry 
  • Food Science
    • Applied Food Science 
    • Food Science and Technology
Rachel Duffy

Rachel Duffy, ’19, Chemistry

"I want to work in a research lab.  It’s so motivating to go in every day and work toward finding a better treatment or cure for cancer or some other rare disease. I’ve definitely found something I am really passionate about, which is exciting."    

Lab Safety

Lab instruction involves the handling of chemicals and materials that present certain safety risks. Framingham State University is committed to ensuring the health and well-being of all University employees, students, and visitors. In regard to lab safety specifically, the University is legally obligated to follow the provisions of the "Lab Standard" regulation of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

The goal of the Lab Standard is to ensure that all lab personnel are informed as to the chemical and other safety hazards present in the lab setting, and that appropriate work practices and equipment are in place to keep lab personnel safe. A critical element of the Lab Standard is the preparation of a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) that spells out expected lab conduct, standard operating procedures, personal protective equipment, lab safety equipment, emergency procedures, etc. Click on the link for the full text of the University's CHP.

Chemistry Lab

RELATED PROGRAM OPTIONS

Chemistry and Biochemistry majors have the option of pursuing a career teaching high school chemistry. Framingham State offers two pathways to chemistry teacher certification: One is an Education minor coordinated with the Chemistry or Biochemistry major. The other is a post-baccalaureate licensure program. 

The Pre-Health Studies Program, jointly run by the Biology Department and the Chemistry & Food Science Department, provides career-specific course guidance to students in any major who are interested in pursuing a medical, dental, pharmacy, veterinary, or other health-related career. Students in the Program also have the opportunity to apply to the Health Professions Advisory Committee for a composite letter of recommendation. Please visit the Pre-Health Studies Program page for more information.

Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Food Science majors who are considering a career in a science writing, editing, publishing, or broadcasting may elect to declare a Science Communication minor, an interdisciplinary minor offered by the English Department. To declare a Science Communication minor, students must complete the appropriate form and obtain the department Chair's signature from one of the following departments: Communication, Media, & Performance; English; or Environment, Society, & Sustainability. The minor consists of five courses, three required plus two electives. Four of the five courses must be taken outside the major department. Students should meet with an advisor in the minor to design a course plan. See Program link below for detailed course information.

The Chemistry minor consists of four required courses - the freshman chemistry sequence and one year of organic chemistry - plus two electives. 

The Biochemistry minor has six required courses: the freshman chemistry sequence, one year of organic chemistry, and one year of biochemistry.  

The Food Science minor consists of five required courses and two electives. See Program links below for elective options.

For non-science majors the Department offers a number of general education courses on a variety of topics including the chemistry of life, environment and health, and principles of food science.

Test tubes

Careers in Chemistry

The employment world for chemists can be divided into four main sectors: industry, government, academia, and entrepreneurship.

  • Industry job areas:

    •  Manufacturing
    •  Quality Control/Regulatory
    •  Research & Development
    •  Sales/Marketing

  • Government job areas:

    •  Law and Policy
    •  Military and Law Enforcement
    •  Environment and Health

  • Academic job areas:

    •  Higher Education
    •  High School

Important links:

Chemistry and Food Science

Getting a job in chemistry

biochemistry lab

Graduate work in chemistry

Our Faculty

Ishara Mills-Henry

Ishara Mills-Henry, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Chemistry & Food Science Department and Bibbs Fellow Coordinator, CELTSS
508-626-4795
imillshenry@framingham.edu
Hemenway Hall
Photo of Sarah Pilkenton

Sarah Pilkenton

Professor, Chemistry & Food Science Department
508-626-4780
spilkenton@framingham.edu
Hemenway 436A
Shelli Waetzig

Shelli Waetzig, Ph.D.

Professor, Chemistry & Food Science Department
508-626-4784
swaetzig@framingham.edu
Hemenway 436C
Photo of Vinay Mannam

Vinay Mannam, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Chemistry & Food Science Department
508-620-1220, x4229
vmannam@framingham.edu
Hemenway
View All

Take the next step